Overview of Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill is a plant from the Dioscoreaceae family. It is a climbing vine with a woody stem that can reach up to 2 meters in length. The plant has been traditionally used for medicinal and culinary purposes since ancient times.
Origin and Common Names
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The plant is known by many common names, including Star Yam, Air Potato, Pier Yam, and Ubi Jalar Bintang.
Appearance
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill has a distinctive appearance. The leaves are heart-shaped, about 8-15 cm long and 7-13 cm wide, with a pointed tip. The plant produces a large number of white, bell-shaped flowers that are clustered on thin, wiry stems. The male and female flowers are typically found on separate plants. The fruit is a round capsule that contains small, winged seeds. The root of the plant is tuberous and can grow up to 30 cm long and 10 cm in diameter.
Uses
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill has been used for various purposes. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat digestive disorders, fever, and rheumatism. The root of the plant is high in starch and has been used to make flour and as a food source in many Southeast Asian countries. The leaves and stem of the plant have also been used for animal fodder.
Moreover, the plant is famous in the Philippines for being a key ingredient in the famous Filipino native delicacy called "ginataang bilo-bilo" where it is boiled, peeled, and added to the mixture of banana, coconut milk, sugar, and other ingredients to form a porridge-like dessert.
In summary, Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill is a versatile and useful plant with many traditional uses. It has an interesting appearance and is a fascinating addition to any garden or collection.
Growth Conditions of Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill, commonly known as Star Yam, is a perennial climbing plant that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The plant is widely cultivated for its edible tubers, which are a rich source of carbohydrates and have several medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Star Yam requires a moderate amount of sunlight for its optimal growth. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate some shade. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch, and too much shade may hinder the plant's growth. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a location where it receives four to six hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Star Yam is between 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme heat. Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) may cause stunted growth, and temperatures above 35°C (95°F) may damage the plant's leaves and tubers. Therefore, it is advisable to grow the plant in a warm and humid environment, such as a greenhouse or a shaded garden.
Soil Requirements
Star Yam prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can also grow in sandy or clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season, to ensure that the soil remains moist. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this may cause root rot and hinder its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill, commonly known as Star Yam, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Cultivating it requires planting it in rich, well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It thrives in warm, humid climates with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C and requires partial shade to full sun exposure. Propagation is done through vegetative means such as stem cuttings or by planting the tuber.
Watering Needs
The Star Yam requires regular watering for optimal growth and development, but it is important to avoid overwatering as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Water the plant when the top layer of soil becomes dry, and ensure that the soil remains moist throughout the growing season. Reduce watering during the dormant season to prevent waterlogging and the development of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth and productivity of the Star Yam. Apply balanced fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio of 10:10:10 every two to three weeks during the growing season. Use organic fertilizers like compost, bone meal, and manure to add nutrients to the soil and improve soil structure. Avoid over-fertilization as it may burn the roots and cause other plant damage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to prevent the plant from becoming too bushy and to encourage more abundant growth. Cut back the plant in the dormant season to remove dead and diseased parts, unwanted growth, and to maintain its shape and size. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant, and dispose of the pruned plant parts away from the plant to prevent pest infestation and disease spread.
Propagation of Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill, also known as the star yam, is a tropical vine species that is native to Southeast Asia. This plant is typically propagated through the use of vegetative propagation. Although the seeds are viable, they are rarely used because they tend to produce plants with inconsistent characteristics. Here are some common methods of propagating the plant:
Propagating Through Tuber Division
The most common method of propagating Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill is through tuber division. This method involves taking a mature yam and dividing it into sections, each with at least one bud. Slice the tuber into parts, making sure each divided segment has a bud and a section of the root system. The sliced segments can then be planted in containers or in suitable conditions in the garden or farm. Wait for new growth from the cuttings, and once there is, you can be sure that they will grow when planted in their permanent locations.
Propagating through Stem Cutting
Another method that is relatively easy is vegetative propagation using stem cuttings. Cut a section of the stem that is at least six inches long and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the lower part of the cutting in a root hormone powder or solution to stimulate root growth. Plant the cuttings in fresh potting soil, water them regularly, and keep them in a warm and bright location. After a few weeks, your plants should have grown roots which means they can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagating Through Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that is suitable for Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill. This method involves wounding the stem of the plant, and wrapping the wounded area with moistened sphagnum moss towards the base of an adult stem. The moss should be covered with plastic to maintain the moisture and to promote rooting. Once roots have formed at the wounded site, cut the stem below the wounded area and plant it in a suitable location in the garden or farm.
Care for the New Plants
After propagating the plants from any of the above methods, it is essential to provide a suitable environment that is conducive for growth. For Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill, the plants need to be watered at intervals to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plants also need to be fertilized regularly, and weeds must be removed to reduce competition. As the plant grows, it should be pruned to avoid tangles to promote better growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill
Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill, commonly known as star yam, is a tropical tuber crop frequently grown in Africa and Southeast Asia. While it is generally resistant to pests and diseases, the plant may still be attacked by various agents.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill is anthracnose, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include small brown spots on leaves, stems, and tubers that eventually increase in size and merge into large necrotic lesions. Infected plant parts must be removed and destroyed to contain the spread of this disease.
Another disease that affects the plant is yam mosaic virus. It is transmitted by aphids and causes mottling and distortion of leaves, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. The virus cannot be cured, so the best approach is to prevent its spread by controlling the aphids using insecticides or physical barriers.
Common Pests
The most damaging pest of star yam is the yam beetle, which feeds on the leaves and tubers of the plant. The adult beetle is black and about 1.5 cm in length. The larvae are creamy white with brown heads and can grow up to 7 cm long. Infested plants exhibit irregular dry patches on the leaves, and the tubers are riddled with tunnels. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infested plants, and apply insecticides, such as carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, or deltamethrin.
Another pest that attacks Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill is the yam tuber moth. It is a small, gray-brown moth that lays its eggs on the tubers. The larvae bore into the tubers, causing them to rot and reducing yield. To manage the moth, inspect stored tubers regularly and destroy any that show signs of infestation. Use physical barriers, such as screens, to prevent the moths from entering the storage area.
Conclusion
Preventing pests and diseases is the key to maintaining healthy Dioscorea asteriscus Burkill plants. Implementing cultural practices, such as crop rotation, proper soil management, and sanitation, can reduce pest and disease pressure. When chemical control is necessary, select insecticides and fungicides that are effective against the target pest or disease and are safe for humans and the environment.
